I have tried the Longbike Slipstream and loved it. Due to the length of the bike I think transporting it would be to much of an issue and I would be doing short rides mostly anyway. So I tried the Eliminator, hoping I would love that too. Easier to transport and maneuver. Less space in garage. Unfortunately i fell twice while riding it.
Was not turning at the time. The only reason I can think of is maybe the seat was too far forward and possibly the wheels were turned a bit and when I braked it tipped? Also it was harder to go in a straight line. As I pedaled the bike went to the right and left to match the rhythm.
. As you ride a swb do you get better at this so the bike is more stable. Any help would be appreciated. I would really like to get the Eliminator.

BlazingPedals

08-16-12 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newcpl
(Post 14614367)

As I pedaled the bike went to the right and left to match the rhythm.
. As you ride a swb do you get better tat this so the bike is more stable. Any help would be appreciated. I would really like to get the Eliminator.

What you're describing is 'pedal steer' and it's usually caused by the rider not relaxing.

newcpl

08-16-12 03:35 PM

So with experience it gets better?

Doug5150

08-16-12 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newcpl
(Post 14615167)

So with experience it gets better?

Yea, somewhat. But a SWB bike won't ever steer as relaxed and smooth as a LWB bike will. And all recumbents tend not to have the same level of steering stability as an upright bike, but some bents are better than others.

I started out with a SWB as my first recumbent, and generally liked the ride but hated the twitchy steering. If I was riding down the street and looked sideways for two seconds, when I looked forward again I was veering way off-course. The steering had very little feel and a small input resulted in a large change in direction. The bike was ride-able, but steering it required constant attention and I didn't like that aspect of it.

A LWB is everything I liked, but with a bit more feel/without the twitchy steering.

BlazingPedals

08-16-12 07:52 PM

This theory that SWBs are twitchy is garbage. Twitchy steering is caused by over-control from the rider. Usually because the rider is tensing up, sometimes because the rider is trying to push the handlebars like they would on an upright. Take a deep breath, let it out, relax your upper body, let the natural curl of your fingers - and nothing else - hold your hands on the handlebars and let your arms hang limply. When you've done all that, push on your dominant foot's pedal and take off.

gcottay

08-17-12 11:59 AM

You might want to test ride a few different SWB's before going with the Eliminator. Different bikes have different handling characteristics. (That's not a hint of criticism of the Eliminator, just a general suggestion.)

As already suggested, given a good bike, a little time and lots of relaxed attitude makes a huge different in riding proficiency and comfort. Unlike one poster here I am just as comfortable on my SWB as on a good LWB. Perhaps his experience was on the wrong bike. My favorite bike, a Volae Century, is both rock steady and agile.

newcpl

08-17-12 12:45 PM

I really like the uss. This limits my choices.

Wilbur Bud

08-17-12 06:15 PM

+1 on ride more SWB, but what you describe will pass after you relax. If this is your first ever bent, it may take 100-200 miles of riding around before your mind and body sync up on being one with the bike. If you go here and select the search settings for USS/SWB you can see a few other makes and models in case you can find them for test rides - others exist on the used market as well, like some Vision SWB.